Rayleigh and Wickford MP and Armed Forces Minister, Mark Francois, took part in a commemorative service to pay his respects to former comrades of the Parachute Regiment, when he attended a "Support our Paras" (SOPARA) event at the Old Sarum Airfield, in Wiltshire recently.
Also present at the Regimental day was HRH the Duke of Kent, as well as many members of the Regiment, both past and present, led by their Colonel Commandant, General Jacko Page. The day included a demonstration by the parachute display team, the Red Devils, and also by Four Para (the Army Reserve Battalion of the Regiment) who put on a tactics and firepower demonstration for the assembled audience.
As part of the day, the Regiment also held a Drumhead service to pay their respects to the fallen from the Regiment, which was formed in the Second World War but which has fought in many places since, including the Falklands, Iraq and Afghanistan. Mark was attending on behalf of the Ministry of Defence and paid his respects also.
Commenting on the day, Mark Francois said:
"The SOPARA event was a very good day out and brought together Parachute Regiment members - both past and present - to celebrate the Regiment’s achievements, pay tribute to the fallen and also to raise a considerable amount of money for service charities. I have always been an admirer of the Regiment and it was good to be able to spend time